Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most commonly undiagnosed conditions after childbirth. All too often, the condition is simply dismissed as the 'baby blues,' which afflicts up to 80% of new mothers. PPD can occur during pregnancy and up to one year after delivery.

Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, which is the worsening and continuation of the 'baby blues' beyond the first few days or weeks after delivery, occurs in nearly 10 to 20% of new moms; postpartum psychosis strikes 1 in 1,000 new moms.

The causes of PPD are complex and unknown. Contributing factors include: a steep and rapid drop of hormone levels after childbirth; difficulty during labor and pregnancy; premature birth; miscarriage; feeling overwhelmed about one’s new role as a mother. Also, lack of support; marital strife; financial problems; physical or mental abuse; and, a previous history of depression or anxiety.

Postpartum depression is treatable if promptly diagnosed, and in the United States, nearly 800,000 new cases of PPD are recorded each year. That estimate is low since approximately 40% of women who suffer from postpartum symptoms go undiagnosed. For those who However the good news is that do receive treatment; the recovery rate is 90%.

Legislation

The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act
On January 6, 2009 Congressman Bobby Rush (IL) reintroduced the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act (H.R. 20). In March, the legislation passed by a vote of 391 to 9! In the Senate, Robert Menendez (NJ) introduced the legislation (S. 324) in late January 2009. These bills seeks to prioritize the issue of PPD by expanding research on postpartum depression and psychosis; and by establishing grants for the operation and coordination of cost effective delivery systems of essential services to afflicted individuals and their families. To view the text of the legislation, visit:

H.R. 20 / S. 324